Gillian Welch - Everything Is Free

[strangetribe]

"If its something that you want to hear you can sing it to yourself."...I would say that captures so much..The sadness and also the beauty lies in the fact that despite the fact that she may even have to take a straight job to survive she still cannot and will not stop creating music...Technology will never fully squelch the human spirit even though it often feels like it

[NiklasNydahl]

I suggest all musicians tired of the survival game to investigate the Equal Money System where everyone’s basic human necessities will be fulfilled unconditionally. In such a system self-expression will truly be set free.

[watchstrap1]

shes a star but keep it quiet,i want it all to myself

[naedangerr]

Just found this girl today

Ain't she awesome!

[Trollificusv2]

When Metallica bitched about their music being shared, I just said "F off, a-hole."

But when Gillian tells me how she feels about it, my reaction isn't the same. I think I'll steal all her music and then try to find out how I can send her enough money to cover her royalties for 30 CD sales (sth like $50, amirite?)

Gillian and David deserve to get paid. That's all.

[nernenu]

She said that without moving her lips.

[presti1959]

enfin de la vraie musique!

[Broonzied]

Gets right into your brain and stays with you. Sublime.

[micmoable]

Love her voice and music

[djmelt]

This song is about downloading music for free. It took someone to point it out to me, then it all made perfect sense. She is an artistic genius!

[1canyonguy]

@djmelt I am not sure if your assumption is correct although Billy Braggs take on free downloads is that it does bring recognition to him in other ways such as live performances

[balconyofdamind]

What is chilling is not the line. It is clear observant truth. It is the truth that is chilling: So very many seek and find positions where they can take advantage of others.

[mikefiftynine]

Masterpiece.

[bryantjudoman]

This is without a doubt my favourite music artist. Simple melodies with amazing depth, feeling, and diversity. just look at this song then listen to elvis presley blues it,s like two different artists. And the fact that they use banjo, fiddle, harmonica, washboards and even big old jugs...who does that now? Give a listen to "I made a lovers prayer" great harmonica

[MikeyRed76]

So, we all understand the irony of listening to this song on youtube, right? Is it just me?

[danplews]

@MikeyRed76

She gets a miniscule royalty for each play. The service is losing money but it's got pretty deep pockets; the ISPs are doing OK though. When I heard this song it stopped me in my tracks and I bought her back catalogue from her website. Maybe it's the same when people hear it here?...

[MikeyRed76]

@danplews I think there's some truth in that. The industry sure ain't what it used to be and it's like there are no rules anymore. It's almost like you have to hope that your pirated music at least is still promoting you, which, might in turn get you more folks at shows and more sales of music.

The playing field has been leveled but it seems almost harder for established artists to make a living at it. Weird world. Great comment.

[earthlyradiodotcom]

@danplews I heard this song, and Gillian on youtube first, then went and bought two of her albums... This is doing her more good than bad, in my humble opinion.

[earthlyradiodotcom]

@MikeyRed76 I heard this song, and Gillian on youtube first, then went and bought two of her albums... This is doing her more good than bad, in my humble opinion.

[MikeyRed76]

@earthlyradiodotcom I hope so.

[enemyofthesun]

the song is definitely not just about bemoaning the death of musician's ownership of their creations. but it is very much about keeping going through hard times and of course it's about why people really sing in the first place, which has nothing to do with money. and when you figure that out you've really hit the big score. the song doesn't leave me wanting to start shelling out cash to musicians, it makes me want to sing. and that's the best kind of song.

[commanderbrainwashed]

I wish they played her on the radio... actually wait, they would ruin it, never mind...

[700kotchi]

A perfect mesh of guitar and voice..hard to believe that this can bring tears to your eyes ..froget about the words and just listen...............

[TheFrenchayy]

I really like her songs. Don't know that I'm quite so hooked on her voice...... :/

[Up2Ladeez]

@palletfrag No, it's about downloading. That means "I might just keep my music for me, and all you guys who want to listen to something beautiful for free can do it your damn self." It's about self-respect. Not every sad song is about a break up.

[marksbarry]

It's about a musician struggling to make her living in an era of music piracy. Welch also waxes poetic on music economics in April 14th, Part 1: It was a five-band bill, A two-dollar show. I saw the van out in front From Idaho, And the girl passed out In the backseat trash. There were no way they'd make Even a half a tank of gas. If you like her, buy a ticket & see her live or buy something on her web site. Everything is not free & freedom is not just another word for nothing left to lose.

[rugshort]

@marksbarry If shew toured more often that'd be a bonus. Last chance I got to see her she sang one song solo and bloody Mumford's came on as special guests and ruined my night. well. maybe not completely, but I didn't pay good money to see them so by all accounts the lyrics to this song should be

"went to see the singer,

but got another band instead

Twas the bloody Mumford's

I didn't pay for them!"

[danplews]

@rugshort thanks for letting me know, I would certainly want my money back..

[whalestail1955]

@rugshort Don't hate the players hate the game.

[RockyG1978]

@rugshort I don't understand the appeal of Mumford and Sons, especially in the face of this... She and David are so pure, so distilled.

[jussymucky]

amen

[SherrieFaerie]

Yeah, I see this song as as a break-up song as well, but that line "It's who I'm working for" does not strike me as cold at all. I think it's sweet. She's saying she's willing to do what it takes for someone she loves...But she's taking some risks. Which is kind of the theme of the song...But, of course, any great work of art can mean touch many people on different levels.

[palletfrag]

I take it no-one here has had their heart broken because if any of you had, you'd know that she is singing about getting herself together after a break-up.

"Sing a little love song, bout loving myself, if there's something that you wanna hear, you can sing it yourself"

Hardly about digital music & illegal downloads. Twats.

[danplews]

@palletfrag She's singing it to us about her motivation and her situation, and it has nothing to do with the break-up of a relationship (She hasn't just broken up with the listener) - the chorus, which is the focus of the verses, says "everything is free now, that's what they say, everything I've ever done, going to (got to?) give it away, someone hit the big score, they figured it out, that I'm going to do it anyway, even if it doesn't pay". All the verses illuminate and point to this.

[binscabs]

anarchist for life

[deportpadro]

@thenoiboi good for you learning how to type

[deportpadro]

@thenoiboi good for learning how to type

[deportpadro]

@minorcelebritytwo good for him there is a difference between a retard and mentaly challanged.

[thenoiboi]

@deportpadro CHALLAAAAAANGED

[YouGuysArnt]

I think this song is about how you don't get paid for your work anymore. If you're a musician, everyone just pirates your music. If you write computer programs, same. Everyone wants everything free. Specially companies, they want your work without paying you.. cause products are worth money.. human beings and our lives aren't.

[Gypsymoonfarm]

I never get tired of this song. What a voice.

[deportpadro]

looks like 3 retards accidently got on the computer

[MinorCelebrityTwo]

@deportpadro Actually, my son is a retard and he really likes Gillian Welch.

[heavyboxes]

Way way good. In the pantheon of perfect songs.

[ufohead1]

She's such a great writer (and singer). I thought this might be about the demise of the recording industry at the point that file sharing exploded (Napster) and its impact on the artist. But judging from the other comments.. it's also about lots more than this possibly.  .....

[dobella]

Gillian, i am sure there a thousand before me but - will you marry me please.

What a beautiful voice, could listen to you for eternity.

'Someone hit the big score', lyrics make a song and you hit the big score with this song.

[mrethrift]

looks like it's underground again and davey toppled goliath . let the coliseum fall.

[SubmergedRecords]

Three people didn't hit the big score.

[TheTwelfthOfMay]

@SubmergedRecords

Three people are sick and need to be put down

[lordnipple]

This reminds me of a very special woman from my past.

'...never minded working hard...it's who I'm working for....'

...that line was my relationship summed up in one line.

[tnekkc]

1,000 times, I have listened to a different recording, but same version, on the CD in my car.

[TheTwelfthOfMay]

Morbidly amazing

[happymyster]

Anyone else find it ironic, given the subject matter, that someone posted this song on Youtube. Ironic and hypocritical.

[TheTwelfthOfMay]

@happymyster

Good point. Though i'd never have found it if they hadn't and now i'm gonna buy her album. So yeah, very good point but i'm on the fence

[mjt11860]

gillian's such a hottie. she's got such a sexy mouth. props to david rawlings these 2 r so fantastic together.

[ironman734u]

i would love to have the chance to date gillian, she is beautifull and sings the types of songs that touch my heart and soul. im truely thankfull for her. I can only imagine what it would be like to get to know her. for now i can dream.

[Elite244]

@ironman734u Get away frum my wymmyn! :D

[6thandpowell]

Chris Pureka does am amazing version of this song also..but yeah, Gillian is brilliant!

[mercubio]

This song made me start buying my music. 'Nuff said.

[strangetribe]

@mercubio It did exactly the same thing to me..Funny thing is as I was toying with mediafire and the idea of loading it I was playing Time the Revelator in the background and that song came on..I listened to it 5 times and nearly came to tears. I promptly bought the album

[kynoos]

No words. It's simply wonderful!

[Billrabatin]

if you like david and gillian check out 'resplendant' by the Vigilantes of Love..on youtube and get back to me.

[Billrabatin]

Thats it Rhodesplayer..."That were gonna do it anyway even if it doesn't pay"....She sayin' "Put my shit on youtube and let people hear me for free.".. jsut to get it heard.

[shoechew]

I thought this was a Holmes Bros song for the past 5 years.  This seems way too slow after knowing their version first.

[yellowbadge01]

ironic i'm listening to it on youtube

[rhodesplayer]

does everyone agree that this song is about digital music/piracy???

[heartisan42]

@rhodesplayer I'm thinking it's about something bigger- like transcendence?

[stevied2008]

@heartisan42 So very refreshing to see when someone gets it right...which you seem to have done here. Gillian is finding pure freedom and happiness in this song and letting go of situations that disallow those feelings. Very transcendent in nature. Thank you!

[jaikwillis]

@rhodesplayer you are spot on

[dayna57]

I do love her so....This is one of my many Favorites. Wish I could know her.

[micmoable]

Gillian is a great talent----so down to earth

[TUMBATARZAN34]

God damn. I miss you so much H. I cant belive i blew it.

can still hear your footsteps on my floor, can still taste your sweat and the lovely smell in your neck.

Please let us try it once moore!

Let us play this tune once more...at least.

[scrubbersteve]

what album is this off?

[speck444]

beautifull

[gurlsingerfan]

Friend of mine told me "you know how you know if you love your work?"

Answer: "You don't look for a day off, because a day off just keeps you from doing what you love."

That is what Gillian captures here...if you love doin' it, your blessed, and you can't take it with you when you go...

Almost Zen like song, nearly perfect folk song, and the pure sound of Gilian's voice makes it just so much more perfect and mystical...

[TheGreatGonzoMan]

"I could get a straight job,

I've done it before...

never minded working hard

just who I'm working for."

That is such a cold line to me... such a chilly song... she really has some touch.

[ThePbjloaf]

@TheGreatGonzoMan

cold, but oh so true. Gillian is great, favorite album is this one

[youngone7777]

@TheGreatGonzoMan: I consider the line a matter of ethics. I have worked for a corporation, worked my ass off, rose high within their ranks, and after understanding what they stood for (only money), quit for ethical reasons. I feel this line. Somebody said something like: "There is no lost pride in being poor". I fully understand this now, and if I had children I would teach it. I am certainly better off in my honest-living, but barely sustainable circumstances. Chilling only re: your boss/you.

[sweetmelissa511]

@TheGreatGonzoMan my fave lyrics!!

[700kotchi]

@TheGreatGonzoMan I'm 58 years old and this song has just touched me in a way I have yet to understand....

[ahitler1000]

@700kotchi the same with all of Gillians , and davids works , I envy him , he, s a winner , and so is she , I may be 55 but Ive experianced a whole level of humility , thank God for this blessed pair,

[CommentsSurvey]

@TheGreatGonzoMan : that's such a perfect line to me... I never minded working hard either; it's just who I was working for is exactly right on. It's the environment we're in that counts and who we are surrounded by. Really important line. Never thought of it that way. I listen to this song over and over again, just like asoftandlowroar said. Terrific song and sentiment.

[dieselengel]

i could cry also...... did it a lot of times to this song and also to 'wayside back in time'' pure emotion.. very touching..

[trollgumman]

South Sweden a night in November, and time to cry a little in my beer...

Good song.

....

Great song.

[TIGERSDFW]

@trollgumman does anyone live in north sweeden? or only those sami people

[trollgumman]

Nah...there's a couple hundred thousand, but mostly located to the cities by the coast.

Same, as we call them, are living there and yes they do have reindeers. Still, the mountain region is vast and not many people there.

Go visit one day if you can. It is beyond beautiful.

[asoftandlowroar]

my favorite song... could just listen and sing along over and over

[liskej]

anyone got guitar tabs for this song?

[mollymo518]

Every line changes the chord and it goes in the order Dm, F, C, G

[rugshort]

You could capo 5th fret and play Am C G D

[onelasssttime]

hmmmm- sound almost same as "Revelator"...... i'm no musican though.. it is A+, but really similar-:(

[opiate9]

You're right, very similar chord progression. And I am a musician. :) Both great songs.

[gothikan]

She is so amazing.

[RHODOAN]

Gillian is a master of understatement. Beautiful song.

[GodzillaGlenn]

Irony: A song about an artist's work being given away - "everything I ever done, going to give it away" - being given away for free on YouTube.

[danthropomorph]

Uh, I give this statement thumbs up. Selfishly glad the song's posted on here, though.

[jamcrane3]

I'll second that statement.

[shoemac3]

no. it would be ironic if you were charged for listening to it.

[WillInNewHaven]

No, the PoV character in the song certainly would _rather_ you were charged for it. I don't know if Gillian feels that way but this song does.

[BrandtCooley]

I agree with Will, and it's about Napster, not youtube.

[jaikwillis]

@BrandtCooley it applies to Youtube also, this has 30,000 views and she got nothing for that.

[WillInNewHaven]

Not quite as directly. Watching this on Youtube might get someone to pay for a download. Once you have a download from someone like Napster, you have the product. There is nothing more to buy.

I listen to and watch a lot of Youtube but everything I watch OFTEN, like this one, is a song I have purchased.

[jaikwillis]

@WillInNewHaven totally, its not a personal comment against any of us, she's making a social commentary.

"might" is a pretty key word. There's reasons she's not making records too often these days. I perform for a living, I can relate too well to this tune. Great song, great artist. I find it telling that people removed their replies after thinking about it.

[Kaspiannlago]

@jaikwillis I agree. But I will buy her music, now. I will be an advocate for their music. On Facebook + irl= in real life.

I heard her first on a UK. tv doco about Country music, "Lost highway".

Such lyrics. Such artists.

[nojyor321]

@shoemac3 most dont understand ironic

[slapgatwick]

amazing

[PennyDropper]

Thanks for posting this...